Insurance Day of Giving
On Thursday 8 November, the insurance industry is uniting to take on the 21st century's biggest killer. Will you join us?
On 8 November, the insurance industry is coming together to take on the 21st century's biggest killer.
Will your company join us?
Every three minutes, someone in the UK develops dementia, a cruel condition which strips people of their memories and abilities.
Almost half of the 300,000 people working in the UK insurance sector will be affected by dementia either directly or through a loved one.
With no cure, and limited treatments, we need to give people hope for the future by funding more research into the care, cure, cause, and prevention of dementia.
The Insurance Day of Giving is the brainchild of Andy Tedstone, Group Broking and Placement Director, PIB Insurance Broker and board member of Insurance United Against Dementia (IUAD) - a unique campaign which is uniting the insurance sector to change the future of dementia.
The day is a unique opportunity for firms across the industry to rise up, and together, transform the dementia research landscape.
Daniel's story
Daniel is living with dementia at the age of 30. Watch the video below to find out how he and his partner Jordan are dealing with the diagnosis.
By taking part in the Insurance Day of Giving, you can support research that could ensure a future where no one has to deal with the challenges faced by Daniel and his family.
Unite against dementia
On the Day of Giving, we want as many people as possible in the industry to pledge their support.
However big or small, every donation counts and will help us move closer to our ambition of funding vital dementia research.
Here's how you can make a difference:
- Promote the day to your staff - ask them to unite against dementia. From a dress down day to bake sale, walking challenge to lunch and learn, any way you choose to get involved will make a difference.
- Your firm might choose to match the funds raised by staff, or pledge a company donation towards the cause.
- It’s also an important opportunity to raise awareness across the sector – sharing information, advice and signposting your staff to support.
- Your staff can also get involved in our Day of Giving competition through our simple JustGiving setup, and there will be lots of prizes to be won throughout the day.
- Once you’ve signed up, you will receive a fundraising toolkit full of ideas, posters and email signatures, as well as information to share with staff. We'll be tracking progress on social media through the hashtag #IUADday, appealing to the competitive spirit of the industry!
'As an industry that prides itself on protecting people and society in times of crisis, we must play our part in combatting the devastating effects of dementia.
The Insurance Day of Giving is an opportunity for everyone across the industry to come together and make that difference. No matter how big or small, every donation counts.
There are 300,000 people working in the UK insurance industry – if we can each raise £1, we could fund ten PHD researchers for an entire year. I will be doing my bit – will you join me?'
- Andy Tedstone - Group Broking and Placement Director, PIB Insurance Broker, and IUAD board member
Your impact
Historically, dementia research has been incredibly underfunded. This has had a direct impact on our progress in battling the condition.
Every penny raised on the Insurance Day of Giving will go directly to the UK Dementia Research Institute (UK DRI).
The UK DRI is a brand new, collaborative effort which unites six world class universities across the country. At full capacity, the institute will home to 700 researchers dedicated to finding new treatments for people affected by dementia.
There are over 100 different types of dementia, and in order to make significant progress, it's vital that we are able to fund the best and brightest researchers to carry out studies. The technology and talent is available, but funding for life-changing studies is desperately needed.
The Day of Giving is an opportunity for the insurance industry to have a lasting impact on the landscape of dementia research.
'For every two or three projects we pursue, there are seven or eight other ideas that are just as good that we don’t have the funding to take forward.'
- Dr Adrian Ivinson, Director, Operations - UK Dementia Research Institute
Dr Bras and Dr Guerreiro
Thanks to Alzheimer’s Society funding, Dr Jose Bras and Dr Rita Guerreiro were able to carry out the first large-scale study of the genetics of dementia with Lewy bodies. They identified its unique genetic signature, paving the way future treatments that tackle the root causes.
Help us fund more groundbreaking discoveries by taking part in the Insurance Day of Giving.
Your Insurance Day of Giving
If you would like to take part in the Insurance Day of Giving, then please let us know by emailing [email protected] so that we can ensure you have everything you need for a brilliant day.
JustGiving
You can sign up to join the Insurance Day of Giving team page by visiting justgiving.com/teams/IUADday and clicking 'join the team'. More guidance about setting up your team page can be found in the toolkit.
Toolkit
Our toolkit contains everything you need for a successful Day of Giving and is now available to download.
Materials
We have lots of materials to help you plan and promote your Day of Giving activities. You can download them below:
Supporting your staff
The Insurance Day of Giving is an opportunity to raise awareness, not just of what dementia is, but where your people can access support and advice when they need it most. With the help of our toolkits, you can get your people talking about their experiences with dementia, breaking down the stigma and helping to create a more inclusive and supportive environment.
Our support services include:
National Dementia Helpline
The helpline is open seven days a week and our specially trained Dementia Advisers are here provide support and advice to people affected by dementia.
Call 0300 222 11 22 or find out more information about opening hours.
Local services finder
Our online directory links you with support services operating in your area.
Simply pop in your post code to find your closest Alzheimer’s Society groups such as Singing for the Brain, as well as services offered by local authorities and private enterprises.
Talking Point
Many people find it useful to talk about their experiences of dementia with people who have been in similar situations.
Our online community – Talking Point – connects people from all walks of life to share their stories, and support and advise each other.
Be part of the conversation
Social media will be a huge part of the fun on the Insurance Day of Giving. We'll be tracking the progress of the different fundraising teams throughout the day via the hashtag #IUADday.
Make sure you get involved and help to spread the word about the Day of Giving. Every donation counts, and we can have the biggest impact by uniting together for the day.
We'll also be announcing the winners of our prizes on social media - including our Social Superhero award, given to the person who raises the most through sharing their team's fundraising page on social media.
Join us on social media
Twitter: @InsuranceUAD
LinkedIn: Insurance United Against Dementia
LinkedIn Group: Insurance United Against Dementia
Get in touch
If you have any questions about the Insurance Day of Giving, get in touch with the IUAD team.